Citation

Langley JD, Gulliver PJ. N. Zeal. Med. J. 2012; 125(1363): 65-76.

Affiliation

Injury Prevention Research Unit, Dept of Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. John.langley@otago.ac.nz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, New Zealand Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

23159903

Abstract

AIM: To describe the distribution of, and trends in, the characteristics of serious non-fatal assault injury for the period 2000-2009. METHODS: Serious non-fatal hospitalised assault injury for the 2000-2009 period were identified and described by: sociodemographic characteristics, location of incidents, methods used to inflict injury, alcohol involvement, and nature of injury. Trends in assault by age, gender, and method were examined. RESULTS: Males, 15-24 year olds, Maori, Pacific Islanders, and those from deprived neighbourhoods had markedly elevated assault rates. Assault by bodily force and head injuries predominated with the former being the major category of assault that increased the most over time CONCLUSIONS: There is a disturbing level of serious assault in New Zealand and the situation is getting worse. We need to review current efforts to prevent these incidents.

Language: en